
Owen Affe has been at Toffler Associates since 2020 and is a Director. His focus is helping DoD and Federal civilian organizations utilize human-centered design methodologies and facilitated experiences to unlock their transformation and innovation potential. His specialties include intelligence analysis & tradecraft, analytic & research methodology, organizational change management, and strategy design, development, & implementation. Prior to his time at Toffler Associates, Owen spent ten years in federal service at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in various roles as an Intelligence Analyst, Executive Facilitator and Design Consultant, and Strategic Planning Officer. He earned a BA in Government and Middle Eastern Studies from The College of William and Mary, a MA in Global Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University, and holds certifications in Facilitation and Design Thinking from Georgetown University. Owen is a Project Management Institute certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Why did you join Toffler Associates?
Toffler Associates acts as an accelerator of people, ideas, progress, and partnerships. When I joined the firm, I quickly grew attached to our unique ways of working with clients, our future-focused approaches, and the bias for action that drives our organization and client outcomes.
What is your superpower?
Mentorship and advisory. Master Yoda once said, “We are what they grow beyond” – a quote that has stuck with me. At Toffler Associates, I have found my passion for leading and mentoring new consultants to hone their skills, discover their strengths, and thrive in this challenging profession. Training the next generation of thinkers and stewards of our communities, governments, and businesses brings rewards beyond measure.
What do you enjoy most about Toffler Associates client work?
Immersion. Curiosity and discovery are what drive Toffler engagements and set our firm apart from our competitors. The compassion and empathy we build for our clients and their problem sets through our methodologies are what make co-creating client solutions rewarding each and every time.
What was your most influential prior job experience and why is it relevant at TA?
As a facilitator at NGA, I grew immensely to appreciate the importance of analytic methodology, structured analysis, and the “magic” that happens when you drive alignment through facilitated experience that provides space for true collaboration. I seek to cultivate the “magic” in all my internal and client engagements.
How do you spend your free time?
Consuming and playing as much ice hockey as possible and figuring out parenting a toddler! Tips appreciated!